“You ever tell anyone I did that,” Hickok said gruffly, “and I’ll shoot you in the foot.”
“I won’t tell. I promise.”
“Good. Let’s go grab a bite to eat,” Hickok suggested.
Blade was experiencing an odd constriction in his throat. He coughed, relieving the tension. “I’m with you.”
The two Warriors sauntered toward the glass doors.
“I’ve been thinkin’,” Hickok said.
“The Family will need a new head Warrior,” Hickok observed.
“That’s right.”
“I think I’ll volunteer for the job,” Hickok stated.
“You?”
Hickok glanced at Blade. “And why not, pard? They can’t give the job to just anybody.”
“They need someone with a cool head on his shoulders,” Hickok stated.
“Someone who’s calm in any crisis.”
“You?”
“Someone the rest of the Family respects,” Hickok went on. “Someone who’s a born leader.”
“You?”